Andrea Leadsom Asks Residents to Sign Ridgway House Petition

The WNC Cabinet is meeting on Tuesday to discuss the closure of Ridgway House in Towcester.

Having visited there recently, as well as celebrating May's 103rd birthday (pictured) I saw the dedicated work of staff to care for the residents, and how content they and their families are with the care. I strongly object to this proposed closure, particularly when we are facing a shortage of adult care homes in South Northamptonshire.

Agree with me? You can sign my petition here:

You can read the full text of my letter to the council below :

I am writing to express my deep concern and opposition to the proposed closure of Ridgway House in Towcester, as is being recommended to the West Northamptonshire Council Cabinet.

Having recently visited Ridgway House, I had the privilege of meeting both the dedicated staff and the residents, all of whom share a profound concern about the potential closure. Many of the residents have strong local ties and deep-rooted connections to Towcester, making the prospect of relocation a source of considerable distress. One resident, May, who recently celebrated her 103rd birthday, shared with me the daily visits from her 80-year-old sister. Their close bond exemplifies the unique relationships formed within the community, and any forced relocation would undoubtedly lead to isolation and emotional hardship for these individuals and their families.

I understand sustaining the operation of the home for the next ten years would require £1 million. It is clear to me that this could be good value considering the urgent need for more elderly care homes in South Northamptonshire and the significant cost of a new build by comparison.

With this in mind, I strongly object to any decision on closure until an alternative care facility is established in Towcester. Moreover, I advocate for ensuring that no residents are relocated against their wishes.

West Northamptonshire Council recently conducted a consultation, garnering 180 responses. While appreciating the efforts, I am concerned that such a limited response may not accurately reflect the wishes of the entire community. Therefore, I kindly request a postponement of the closure decision until the community has had ample opportunity to express their views more comprehensively. Additionally, I urge the council to publish the consultation findings in full to ensure transparency in the decision-making process.

While acknowledging the need for new care facilities in Towcester, I strongly believe that closing Ridgway House in the absence of a local alternative is not the right way forward.

I will be initiating a petition to Save Ridgway House, providing constituents with a platform to demonstrate their support for this important part of our local community.